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European country flags have long been powerful symbols of national identity, pride, and history. The study of flags, known as vexillology, delves into the design, history, and symbolism of these colorful emblems. From medieval banners to modern national flags, Europe boasts a rich tapestry of designs, each with its own unique story.
In this comprehensive blog post about European Country Flags, we will explore the history and evolution of the flags of Europe, including the Balkan States and the former Yugoslavia. Let’s embark on this journey through the colorful and captivating world of European flags.
Today there are 44 countries in Europe according to the United Nations. There are a few dependencies and other territories held by formal nations such as the the Faeroe Islands by Denmark, the Isle of Man and Gibraltar by the U.K. Each of the European Country Flags are unique and distinct in their own way.
A Brief History of Flags and Vexillology
The word “vexillology” is derived from the Latin word “vexillum,” meaning flag or banner, and the Greek suffix “-logia,” meaning study. Vexillology encompasses the history, symbolism, and usage of flags. European Country Flags have been used since ancient times to represent tribes, armies, and nations. They serve not only as markers of territory but also as expressions of identity and values.
The designs of European Country Flags have evolved over centuries, influenced by political changes, cultural shifts, and historical events. Understanding the history of each flag provides insight into the story of the nation it represents.
Let’s break down our European Country Flags by region and country name! For the flag nerds like me, I’ve provided the flag’s colour hex codes and ratios! Pay attention, they’re not all the same shape and red isn’t always the same red for each of the European Country Flags.
Western European Country Flags
France
- Hex Codes: #0055A4 (Blue), #FFFFFF (White), #EF4135 (Red)
- Ratio: 2:3
The French flag, known as the “Tricolore,” was adopted in 1794 during the French Revolution. Its three vertical stripes of blue, white, and red symbolize liberty, equality, and fraternity—the core values of the revolution.
Germany
- Hex Codes: #000000 (Black), #DD0000 (Red), #FFCE00 (Gold)
- Ratio: 3:5
Germany’s flag features three horizontal stripes of black, red, and gold. These colors date back to the 19th century and symbolize unity and freedom.
United Kingdom
- Hex Codes: #00247D (Blue), #FFFFFF (White), #CF142B (Red)
- Ratio: 1:2
The Union Jack, the flag of the United Kingdom, combines elements of the flags of England, Scotland, and Ireland. It has been in use since 1801 and represents the union of these countries.
Ireland
- Hex Codes: #169B62 (Green), #FFFFFF (White), #FF883E (Orange)
- Ratio: 1:2
The Irish flag, also known as the “Tricolor,” features three vertical stripes of green, white, and orange. Adopted in 1916, it symbolizes peace between Catholics and Protestants.
Belgium
- Hex Codes: #000000 (Black), #FFD700 (Yellow), #FF0000 (Red)
- Ratio: 13:15
Belgium’s flag, adopted in 1831, has three vertical stripes of black, yellow, and red, reflecting the country’s national colors and its independence from the Netherlands.
Netherlands
- Hex Codes: #21468B (Blue), #FFFFFF (White), #AE1C28 (Red)
- Ratio: 2:3
The Dutch flag features three horizontal stripes of red, white, and blue. Officially adopted in 1937, it traces its origins back to the 16th century.
Luxembourg
- Hex Codes: #00A1DE (Blue), #FFFFFF (White), #ED2939 (Red)
- Ratio: 3:5
Luxembourg’s flag, adopted in 1972, consists of three horizontal stripes of red, white, and blue. It is similar to the Dutch flag but features a lighter shade of blue.
Switzerland
- Hex Codes: #D52B1E (Red), #FFFFFF (White)
- Ratio: 1:1
Switzerland’s flag, adopted in 1889, features a white cross on a red field. It is one of the few square national flags and symbolizes the country’s neutrality and peace.
Austria
- Hex Codes: #ED2939 (Red), #FFFFFF (White)
- Ratio: 2:3
Austria’s flag, with its horizontal stripes of red and white, dates back to the 13th century and is one of the oldest national flags in the world.
Liechtenstein
- Hex Codes: #0021A5 (Blue), #FFD700 (Yellow), #CE1126 (Red)
- Ratio: 3:5
Liechtenstein’s flag, adopted in 1982, features horizontal stripes of blue and red with a crown in the upper left corner, symbolizing the country’s independence and monarchy.
Monaco
- Hex Codes: #CE1126 (Red), #FFFFFF (White)
- Ratio: 4:5
Monaco’s flag, adopted in 1881, consists of two horizontal stripes of red and white. It is almost identical to the flag of Indonesia but has different proportions.
Southern European Country Flags
Italy
- Hex Codes: #008C45 (Green), #FFFFFF (White), #CD212A (Red)
- Ratio: 2:3
The Italian flag, with its vertical stripes of green, white, and red, was adopted in 1946. The colors are said to represent hope, faith, and charity, respectively.
Spain
- Hex Codes: #AA151B (Red), #F1BF00 (Yellow)
- Ratio: 2:3
Spain’s flag features red and yellow horizontal stripes with the national coat of arms. Adopted in 1981, the colors and design reflect Spain’s rich history and heritage.
Portugal
- Hex Codes: #006600 (Green), #FF0000 (Red), #FFFFFF (White), #FFCC00 (Yellow), #0000FF (Blue)
- Ratio: 2:3
Portugal’s flag, adopted in 1911, features green and red vertical stripes with the national coat of arms. The colors symbolize hope and the blood of those who defended the nation.
Greece
- Hex Codes: #0D5EAF (Blue), #FFFFFF (White)
- Ratio: 2:3
Greece’s flag, adopted in 1978, features nine horizontal stripes of blue and white with a white cross on a blue field in the upper left corner. The stripes represent the nine syllables of the phrase “Freedom or Death.”
Cyprus
- Hex Codes: #FFFFFF (White), #FFDD00 (Yellow), #008000 (Green)
- Ratio: 3:5
Cyprus’s flag, adopted in 1960, features a map of the island in copper color with olive branches below on a white field, symbolizing peace and the country’s rich copper resources.
Malta
- Hex Codes: #FFFFFF (White), #D41C1C (Red), #9B1C1C (Grey)
- Ratio: 2:3
Malta’s flag, adopted in 1964, features two vertical stripes of white and red with the George Cross in the upper left corner, awarded to the island for bravery during World War II.
Andorra
- **
Hex Codes**: #FFD500 (Yellow), #0050A4 (Blue), #EF3340 (Red)
- Ratio: 7:10
Andorra’s flag, adopted in 1866, features vertical stripes of blue, yellow, and red with the national coat of arms in the center. The colors represent the country’s independence and its historical ties to France and Spain.
San Marino
- Hex Codes: #FFFFFF (White), #007EC2 (Blue)
- Ratio: 3:4
San Marino’s flag, adopted in 1862, features two horizontal stripes of white and blue with the national coat of arms in the center. The colors symbolize peace and liberty.
Vatican City
- Hex Codes: #FFD700 (Yellow), #FFFFFF (White)
- Ratio: 1:1
The flag of Vatican City, adopted in 1929, features two vertical bands of yellow and white with the crossed keys of Saint Peter and the Papal Tiara in the center of the white band. The yellow and white colors symbolize the gold and silver keys to heaven given to Saint Peter, the first Pope, and reflect the spiritual and temporal power of the Pope. The design underscores the Vatican’s role as the spiritual center of the Roman Catholic Church.
Northern European Country Flags
Sweden
- Hex Codes: #006AA7 (Blue), #FECC00 (Yellow)
- Ratio: 5:8
The Swedish flag, with its blue field and yellow Nordic cross, has been in use since the 16th century. The colors are inspired by the Swedish coat of arms.
Norway
- Hex Codes: #BA0C2F (Red), #00205B (Blue), #FFFFFF (White)
- Ratio: 8:11
Norway’s flag features a red field with a blue cross outlined in white. It was adopted in 1821 and represents Norway’s historical ties to Denmark and Sweden.
Denmark
- Hex Codes: #C60C30 (Red), #FFFFFF (White)
- Ratio: 28:37
Denmark’s flag, known as the Dannebrog, is one of the oldest national flags in the world, dating back to the 13th century. It features a white Nordic cross on a red field.
Finland
- Hex Codes: #002F6C (Blue), #FFFFFF (White)
- Ratio: 11:18
Finland’s flag, adopted in 1918, features a blue Nordic cross on a white field. The blue symbolizes the country’s lakes and sky, while the white represents snow.
Estonia
- Hex Codes: #0072CE (Blue), #FFFFFF (White), #000000 (Black)
- Ratio: 7:11
Estonia’s flag, adopted in 1990, consists of three horizontal stripes of blue, black, and white. These colors symbolize the sky, the soil, and the pursuit of freedom.
Latvia
- Hex Codes: #A4343A (Red), #FFFFFF (White)
- Ratio: 1:2
Latvia’s flag, adopted in 1921 and restored in 1990, features a red field with a white horizontal stripe. The design dates back to the 13th century and symbolizes the blood shed for independence.
Lithuania
- Hex Codes: #FDB913 (Yellow), #006A44 (Green), #C1272D (Red)
- Ratio: 3:5
Lithuania’s flag, adopted in 1989, consists of three horizontal stripes of yellow, green, and red. These colors represent the country’s sky, fields, forests, and bloodshed for freedom and the land.
Iceland
- Hex Codes: #003897 (Blue), #FFFFFF (White), #D72828 (Red)
- Ratio: 18:25
Iceland’s flag, adopted in 1915, features a blue field with a white-edged red Nordic cross. The colors symbolize the country’s natural elements: blue for the mountains, white for the snow and ice, and red for the volcanic fires.
Belarus
- Hex Codes: #D22730 (Red), #4AA657 (Green), #FFFFFF (White)
- Ratio: 1:2
Belarus’s flag, adopted in 1995, features red and green horizontal stripes with a white and red ornamental pattern on the left. The red symbolizes freedom and sacrifice, while the green represents hope and the future.
Ukraine
- Hex Codes: #0057B7 (Blue), #FFD700 (Yellow)
- Ratio: 2:3
Ukraine’s flag, adopted in 1992, consists of two horizontal stripes of blue and yellow. The blue represents the sky, and the yellow symbolizes the country’s wheat fields. It’s one of my fav flags, the country has a long history that is also very inspirational.
Moldova
- Hex Codes: #0033A0 (Blue), #FFD700 (Yellow), #CE1126 (Red)
- Ratio: 1:2
Moldova’s flag, adopted in 1990, features vertical stripes of blue, yellow, and red with the national coat of arms in the center. The colors reflect the country’s historical ties to Romania.
Armenia
- Hex Codes: #D90012 (Red), #0033A0 (Blue), #F2A800 (Orange)
- Ratio: 1:2
Armenia’s flag, adopted in 1990, consists of three horizontal stripes of red, blue, and orange. The colors symbolize the blood shed for freedom, the sky, and the country’s courage.
Azerbaijan
- Hex Codes: #00B9E4 (Blue), #ED2939 (Red), #007A3D (Green), #FFFFFF (White)
- Ratio: 1:2
Azerbaijan’s flag, adopted in 1991, features three horizontal stripes of blue, red, and green with a white crescent and an eight-pointed star. The colors symbolize Turkic heritage, progress, and Islam.
Georgia
- Hex Codes: #FFFFFF (White), #FF0000 (Red)
- Ratio: 2:3
Georgia’s flag, adopted in 2004, features a white field with five red crosses. The design, known as the Five Cross Flag, dates back to the 14th century and symbolizes the country’s Christian heritage.
Eastern European Country Flags
Russia
- Hex Codes: #FFFFFF (White), #0039A6 (Blue), #D52B1E (Red)
- Ratio: 2:3
Russia’s flag consists of three horizontal stripes of white, blue, and red. These colors date back to the 17th century and symbolize nobility, honesty, and courage.
Poland
- Hex Codes: #DC143C (Red), #FFFFFF (White)
- Ratio: 5:8
Poland’s flag features two horizontal stripes of white and red. These colors have been associated with Poland since the 13th century and represent peace and valor.
Czech Republic
- Hex Codes: #D7141A (Red), #FFFFFF (White), #11457E (Blue)
- Ratio: 2:3
The Czech Republic’s flag, adopted in 1993, consists of two horizontal stripes of white and red with a blue triangle at the hoist. The colors symbolize the nation’s Slavic heritage.
Slovakia
- Hex Codes: #EE1C25 (Red), #FFFFFF (White), #0B4EA2 (Blue)
- Ratio: 2:3
Slovakia’s flag, adopted in 1992, features three horizontal stripes of white, blue, and red with the
national coat of arms. The colors reflect the country’s Slavic roots.
Hungary
- Hex Codes: #CE2939 (Red), #FFFFFF (White), #477050 (Green)
- Ratio: 1:2
Hungary’s flag, adopted in 1957, consists of three horizontal stripes of red, white, and green. These colors have been associated with Hungary since the 13th century and symbolize strength, faith, and hope.
Romania
- Hex Codes: #002B7F (Blue), #FCD116 (Yellow), #CE1126 (Red)
- Ratio: 2:3
Romania’s flag, adopted in 1867, features vertical stripes of blue, yellow, and red. These colors represent liberty, justice, and fraternity.
Bulgaria
- Hex Codes: #FFFFFF (White), #00966E (Green), #D62612 (Red)
- Ratio: 3:5
Bulgaria’s flag, adopted in 1991, consists of three horizontal stripes of white, green, and red. The colors symbolize peace, freedom, and valor.
Serbia
- Hex Codes: #C6363C (Red), #0C4076 (Blue), #FFFFFF (White)
- Ratio: 2:3
Serbia’s flag, adopted in 2010, features horizontal stripes of red, blue, and white with the national coat of arms. The colors represent the country’s Slavic heritage.
Montenegro
- Hex Codes: #CE1126 (Red), #D3A200 (Yellow)
- Ratio: 1:2
Montenegro’s flag, adopted in 2004, features a red field with a gold border and the national coat of arms. The colors symbolize the country’s royal history.
Kosovo
- Hex Codes: #00246E (Blue), #FFD700 (Yellow), #FFFFFF (White)
- Ratio: 1:1.4
Kosovo’s flag, adopted in 2008, features a blue field with a map of Kosovo and six stars. The design symbolizes the country’s diverse ethnic groups and its aspiration for peace.
Albania
- Hex Codes: #E41E20 (Red), #000000 (Black)
- Ratio: 5:7
Albania’s flag, adopted in 1992, features a red field with a black double-headed eagle. The design dates back to the 15th century and symbolizes the country’s independence and strength.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Hex Codes: #002395 (Blue), #FFD700 (Yellow), #FFFFFF (White)
- Ratio: 1:2
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s flag, adopted in 1998, features a blue field with a yellow triangle and white stars. The design represents the country’s diverse ethnic groups and its aspirations for peace.
Croatia
- Hex Codes: #FF0000 (Red), #FFFFFF (White), #0000FF (Blue)
- Ratio: 1:2
Croatia’s flag, adopted in 1990, consists of three horizontal stripes of red, white, and blue with the national coat of arms. The colors reflect the country’s Slavic heritage.
Slovenia
- Hex Codes: #FFFFFF (White), #FF0000 (Red), #0057B8 (Blue)
- Ratio: 1:2
Slovenia’s flag, adopted in 1991, features three horizontal stripes of white, blue, and red with the national coat of arms. The colors symbolize the country’s Slavic roots.
North Macedonia
- Hex Codes: #D20000 (Red), #FFC400 (Yellow)
- Ratio: 1:2
North Macedonia’s flag, adopted in 1995, features a red field with a yellow sun. The design symbolizes the country’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Turkey
- Hex Codes: #E30A17 (Red), #FFFFFF (White)
- Ratio: 2:3
Turkey’s flag, adopted in 1936, features a red field with a white star and crescent. The design is rooted in the Ottoman Empire and represents the country’s Islamic heritage.
Conclusion
European Country Flags are more than mere pieces of fabric; they are vibrant symbols that encapsulate the histories, cultures, and identities of nations. From the ancient banners of medieval times to the modern designs of today, each flag tells a story of struggle, unity, and coherence. As we wave through the pages of history, these European Country Flags remind us of the rich tapestry that is Europe, a continent woven together by its diverse and colorful heritage.
So, the next time you see a flag fluttering in the breeze, take a moment to ponder its story and the deep significance it holds for the people it represents. After all, every European Country Flag has a tale to tell, and every tale adds a unique thread to the grand mosaic of our shared human experience.
Would you be able to tell a country’s flag in a lineup? Well, test your knowledge here, I bet you didn’t know that there are many FLAG LOOK ALIKES!
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